Jaylon Ferguson Combine invite rescinded

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

-agreed that people are thinking of 'edge rusher' in 3-4 OLB terms. This guy is a 4-3 end. High motor, looks like a good technician, solid pass rusher. I think he'd be a plus player at either end spot, and sooner than later.
-Spags has always run a 4-3 base, and in base usually 'under' as opposed to 'over' although I've seen them move guys around to confuse, so sometimes it ends up 'over' or any number of other weird looks (compared to the usual 'under'). Obviously I've not watched all-22 footage of every game he's coached, but that is my impression.
-wide 9 is cool in pass rush packages, but will get you eaten alive on first and second down. Also, probably gets Jones doubled up with a guard kicking out which leaves a huge running lane between.

Wide 9 will get you eaten alive against any athletic LTs, even in pass rush situations, IMO.

To do it, you have to be a credible threat to be able to bull rush as well so they have to be set early enough to keep from getting smoked and you can get just enough edge to bend around them. But that's the big concern I have with Ford's ability to be a plus Leo - does he have the physicality to keep athletic OTs from a quick slide-step and then taking the play at 'em. With little fear of having Ford just go directly into their body and blowing 'em up, it's hard to say that he'd be a real effective wide 9 player if we tried to do that often.

As for Ferguson; just don't see the burst for him to play the weakside DE in this system. Certainly don't see the agility to bend the edge and finish the play. I think he's particularly ill-suited for that role in this defense.